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Singapore International Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Singapore International Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 3.6 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 3.7 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 2.5 
 
 
Number of comments: 87 [displaying comments 61 to 71]
More Comments: [ < 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 > ]

 

w. t. from singapore (12/9/2003)
"Put more crowd at the marina loop" (about: 2003)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


A good race with lot of cheerleading teams during the 1st 32km of the race. But in the last 10km of the race, especially the marina loop, there should be more cheerleading team. There are only 2. There are not many people at the marina area; the organizer should put in more effort to bring crowd/cheerleading teams to this part of the race. The organizer should encourage road marshals, especially at the marina loop, to cheer on the runners. I told one of the road marshals to cheer on the runners, and he said, 'Go'. But he sound like he was half dead. I was disappointed. The same goes to the traffic police at the marina loop.

Secondly, regarding the sports drink: the first drink station that served sports drink is at the 12th km mark ? they should have serve it earlier.

Thirdly, the full marathon should start earlier, especially since Singapore is such a hot country. Many full marathon runners will welcome an earlier start time. By 10am the temperature is almost at 30 degrees Celsius. Luckily this year the weather was kind to us. I also took part in last year?s race. At about 9am it was already very hot. To make things worse, there is not much shade in the marina loop area.


 

L. Y. from Singapore (12/8/2003)
"Just Gets Better Every Year" (about: 2003)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


Thoughts for the 2003 marathon -

Good Things
1. There were toilets along the course and even power gels at the 30K mark.
2. Starting at 6:00AM was just right.
3. A lot of cheerleading along the route

Need improvement
1. No free transport to start point unlike last year
2. The current route was a bit narrow because of the huge increase in numbers of runners (especially the 1st 12KM)
3. Not much to see or do at the marathon expo (I was there for only 10 mins)
4. No real spectators or supporters along the course

Overall it was a improvement compared to 2002. Kudos to Standard Chartered for doing a great job, keep it up!!

 

A. R. from Singapore (12/7/2003)
"Time for a night marathon..." (about: 2003)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


World class organization (on a par with London) and a flat scenic course are the star features of this event. Regular bottled water, isos and also gel/food later means you don't need to carry supplies in this equatorial event. There are few genuine spectators, but the organizers arrange fantastic support from cheerleaders through the route - the energy and enthusiasm of these kids is awesome. The Marina Loop still remains the toughest part of the course both mentally and physically. No smiling faces there - running away from the finish on a desolate 10km loop just when its getting warm is not fun. The organizers should think about having the marathon start at 5 a.m. so they finish before the sun is too high - third year straight it hasn't rained.....

 

p. k. from singapore (12/7/2003)
"Need more sports drinks" (about: 2003)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


It was a good race but I felt it could have been better if three things were done:

1) The starting times for the full marathon, half marathon and 10 km marathons should have been staggered, and staggered means maybe half an hour apart. I was at the back and was swamped by the 10 km runners at the start. Thus, I crossed the starting line 15 minutes after the gun went off for the half marathon/marathon.

2) More sports drinks. Most of the drink station provided only water for the half marathon.

3) Earlier start time. Why don't we try starting the race at 5 or maybe even four...

Still, my greatest peeve was 2). There should have been more sports drinks available.

 

P. S. from NZ (12/26/2002)
"Maori Boy from NZ" (about: 2002)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


My third marathon but my first abroad and apart from the heat I thoroughly enjoyed the run and it's atmosphere. Lots of shade for the first 30k and thankfully lots of water and energy drinks, especially for somebody who was still accustomed to the colder weather(had 3 days to acclimatize). The route along the beach was fantastic, never seen so many ships in my life and the cheer leaders/supporters played there part also. Appreciated the massage at the end and a freebie at that, something unheard of in NZ. Generally the event was well organised and obviously the negatives of previous years were acted upon, however there are 2 points where improvements could be made and that is (1) The main door to the stadium could have been opened earlier (whether it was planned or not) so we could use the loo facilities (2) The stadium lights turned on so we could run the track and stretch under lighting. I will return for the 2003 if work and finance allow it, but right now I'm warming up for the 2003 Hongkong marathon. See you all there.

 

A Runner from Singapore (12/13/2002)
"Big improvement over last year" (about: 2002)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


The 2002 marathon was a big improvement compared to the one last year (2001 was a nightmare). I think the credit should go to Standard Chartered for success of the event. The overall atmosphere was just great with free transport to the starting point and also great music prior to start of the race. With plenty of water stations, the race distances was well marked too. My only complain is that the race should have started earlier at maybe 6:00AM instead of 6:30AM because of the hot weather. Would definitely take part again next year.

 

A Runner from Singapore (12/11/2002)
"Best ever Marathon in Singapore" (about: 2002)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 2


New course is professionally designed and very shady. Safety was improved as the route was closed to traffic. Water points aplenty at every 2km. Overall a well organized event. However, the start time could be earlier than 6.30 am to avoid the heat. Hopes the standard is maintained next year.

 

A Runner from ENGLAND (12/11/2002)
"CONGRATULATIONS" (about: 2002)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


I made the trip to Singapore from England and I have to congradulate the organizers. A lovely course well shaded for the most part and plenty of water stations, which in this sort of heat is critically important. Nice finish with lots of atmosphere. Well done!

 

A Runner from Malaysia (12/11/2002)
"Well organised and scenic course" (about: 2002)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


Well organised. The east coast was very scenic. The MC before the start was lively and entertaining and the music superb!

 

A Runner from Hong Kong (12/11/2002)
"It's a lovely hot morning and lovely marathon." (about: 2002)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


Standard Chartered Bank sponserd the best marathon in Singapore rather than anywhere else, very enjoyable and cheerful and is a very good memory for my very first full marathon and I won't miss it next year!!

 

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